Big Changes Are Coming to Grand Junction’s Museum Campus

Big changes seem likely for the museum scene in Grand Junction over the next couple of years. A proposal from the Museums of Western Colorado is floating the idea of closing the Museum of the West on Ute Avenue and calling for operational changes at the Cross Orchards Historic Site.

Long-term plans indicate the museum campus would like to head west to Fruita, following an August announcement. Here’s what we know right now.

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Could the Museum of the West Be Closing?

Find Summer Fun at Colorado's Museum of the West

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The Museums of Western Colorado have announced they could close the Museum of the West and change operations at the Cross Orchards Historic Site by 2027. Museum leaders have cited aging infrastructure, rising costs, and the challenge of operating three facilities on one museum budget. The museum is still operating in 2026—its current schedule and exhibitions continue through the year—so this is a long-term transition rather than an immediate shutdown.

What Is Happening to Cross Orchards?

Cross Orchards isn't going away. The historic site would continue to preserve and share the story of the Grand Valley through its orchard, historic buildings, railroad equipment, and community events. But under the proposed museum plan, Cross Orchards would no longer be one of the system's primary traditional museum facilities.

Dinosaur Journey Will Become the Center of the Museum System

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Dinosaur Journey in Fruita is the centerpiece of the museum’s long-term vision. Over the next decade, the museum group wants to combine paleontology, Western heritage, and educational programming there. The Fruita City Council has already discussed the concept, but officials emphasized that the January 2026 presentation involved no formal commitments.

Would you consolidate the campus in Fruita, or would you keep the Museum of the West in the old C.D. Smith Warehouse? Share your answer with the message button on our app.